Show Announcement: The Greatest State

Texas is a great place to live for many reasons. As California puts a hold on tax-refund checks, the great state of Texas is doing great, creating more jobs than the combined effort of other states. We can thank conservative leaders like Gov. Rick Perry, and State Representative Dan Gattis, among many others, for their hard work to maintain Texas' economy.

"As we celebrate our relative strength and welcome these new jobs to Texas, we cannot lose sight of the global financial situation and what it may mean for us in the months to come. As we wrestle with lowered revenue estimates, we must stay committed to the proven policies that have brought us so far, and resist any calls to panic. There are those who say we should crack open the Rainy Day Fund and pour it out on every need that presents itself. Others say we should just hunker down, save every penny we have, and stay curled up in the fetal position ‘til this one blows over. Now, I’m a big believer in conservative fiscal approaches… but that doesn’t mean it’s time to play defense. Texas is strong because we aggressively play offense. In tough times, others see threats; Texans see opportunity."

- Texas Governor Rick Perry, State of the State speech, January 22, 2009

You can thank Representative Gattis personally this Sunday on the Political Hope Radio Show. Texas District 20 State Representative Dan Gattis will join us to help wade through the choice of priorities facing the 81st Texas Legislature. We are a great state and we also have great issues facing us. While we are doing well, we must persevere.

Texas challenges include maintaining our conservative principles, education funding, border security, road funding, railroad relocation, tax appraisal reform and energy initiatives. Read THE STACK for insight to the challenges. There is much to talk about, and your voice is needed.

Call the show this Sunday, and help us consider priorities for the Greatest State.

Show Announcement: The Transformation

What if I told you the story of a man that used to be on the liberal side of politics and Christian theology? What if I told you that a catastrophic event triggered a transformation to the right side? Would you be intrigued by a transformation from one spectrum of politics and religion to another?

The man is real, and so is his story. It is the story of Rob Hurlburt, founder of TakeUp.Org, and he's going to tell it this Sunday, January 25th, on the Political Hope Radio Show.

I have often wondered how Christians could be so divided on politics, while reading the same Bible? Could it have to do with the work of the Spirit's conviction in our hearts. Does it have to do with the way we read the Bible? What is behind the political and theological separations in the Christian community? Rob's story will help us understand.

The work of the church is like a candle wick that draws the transforming power of the Holy Spirit into the lives of human-beings. The work of the church is paramount to changing this culture. Yet, in this age, we see many U.S. churches in a state of decline. This Sunday we'll also hear from Pastor Rick Hertless of Meadowbrook Baptist Church. Pastor Rick will tell us about the inspiring work of their church in Rockdale, Texas and the mission partner they have in Austin, Great Hills Baptist church.

I'm excited to tell you more about the Commit to Christ Bride program that was launched in Rockdale this past Thursday. Love for Christ' Bride is essential to understanding the call of God in our lives. The Bride of Christ has been relegated to the back room of an abandoned home. It's time to bring her back into the open, love her, and cherish her, as does Christ himself.

Join us this Sunday as we talk about transformation and Christ' Bride, the church. Call the Political Hope Radio Show to voice your opinion every Sunday at 4 pm CDT. You can hear us on The Word 98.5 & 99.3 KLGO FM Radio in Austin, or listen to live streaming audio on-line ...

http://www.theword993.com/

We need your calls to stir the discussion. Pick up the phone and join the discussion every Sunday at 4pm. The call in numbers are ...

(512) 637-9673 (WORD)
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God is our hope; even in politics... God Save the U.S.A.

Take Away These Chains!

As the U.S. celebrates a great milestone in the history of Civil Rights, the inauguration of President Barack Obama, the chains of slavery still linger in the world. Obama's grandmother freely boards a plane from Kenya to the U.S. on her own freewill, while women and young girls in Indonesian are lured into the chains of the sex-trade.

It's going to be an exciting week. The inauguration in the Federal City, Wall Street's response, the firestorm over evolution at the Texas SBOE, and the launch of the "Commit to Christ' Bride" Campaign. You've gotta hear this show!

Read about the above stories and more in THE STACK, and join us this Sunday at 4 PM, for politics, religion and apple pie. Darrell MacLearn, from T-STOP, and Steven Goff, Houston Rescue & Restore, will be on the program. We'll take your calls, as we talk about the ancient history of slavery, the inauguration, and the brewing fight before the Texas State Board of Education.

Call the Political Hope Radio Show to voice your opinion every Sunday at 4 pm CDT. You can hear us on The Word 98.5 & 99.3 KLGO FM Radio in Austin, or listen to live streaming on-line ...
www.theword993.com

We need your calls. Listen to Political Hope!
Pick up the phone and join the discussion every Sunday at 4pm.

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PS: Forward to a friend, with your recommendation.

Show Follow-up: Straus Record at Pro-Choice Texas

There is a bit of confusion surrounding Joe Straus' record with Pro-Choice Texas. Their web-site is a bit difficult to understand, and I did not do a good job of explaining my assessment last week.

The Pro-Choice Texas (PCTX) web-site has report cards relevant to Straus for the 79th (2005) and the 80th (2007) Texas Legislative sessions. They list multiple bills/resolutions for each year, plus relevant amendments. So, they may list 9 or 14 votes scored for each year. Then each Representative may or may not vote on each item. This could be cause of committee votes for a committee that the representative does not sit on, or the rep. may not have been present among other reasons for not voting.

The score card only measures the pro-choice vote for the issues they voted on. So for Straus, the 100% rating came from one pro-choice vote in 2007. In 2005, he got a 45% approval for 4 of 9 Pro-Choice votes.

In my analysis, I see three votes in those two sessions that concern me. According to PCTX, in 2005 ... "Representative Hartnett (R-Dallas) offered an Amendment 2 to CSSB 419 (a bill reauthorizing the Texas State Board of Medical Examiners) to amend the Occupations Code to prevent physicians from being licensed to practice medicine and to subject them to disciplinary action for performing a third trimester abortion when the fetus is viable, unless the abortion is necessary to prevent the woman’s death. Amendment 2, as amended by Amendments 3 and 8, was adopted by a record vote of 118-16 on May 16, 2005." Other amendment's were also offered, and Straus parted company from the Pro-Life stance and his Republican counter parts on Amendment 2 amendments 4, 8, 9 & 10.

In 2007, there are two issues. PCTX records Straus supporting one vote for pro-choice legislation (HB-1 Amendment 20). This resulted in at 100% (one for one) rating. Straus also co-authored a bill supported by PCTX. HB-1842 was authored and introduced by Rep. Mark Strama. While Straus didn't get to vote on it, he co-authored it, and PCTX applauded him for it. This bill would have added "comprehensive sex education" and the corresponding funds to Texas' education system. The committee hearing witness list tells us a lot about who was for/against this bill. Straus aligned with the Pro-Choice crowd.

Below are some web-links relevant to Straus 's record.

Bills Authored or Joint-Authored by Straus in 80th Legislature

Bills Sponsored or Co-Sponsored by Straus in 80th Legislature

Bills Authored or Joint-Authored by Straus in 79th Legislature (Regular Session)

Bills Sponsored or Co-Sponsored by Straus in 79th Legislature (Regular Session)

Straus - Google Search for site: www.ProChoiceTexas.org

I hope this helps bring clarity to Straus' voting record.


God Save Texas

Show Announcement: Don't Drink the Kool-Aid

The Texas GOP drank the Democrat’s Kool-Aid. The heavy hand of Craddick is out, and the even hand of Joe Straus is in (barring in unforeseen circumstances). The gravel will swing a little bit lighter next week as the 81st Texas Legislature convenes. Read more>>

In a separate story, Dr. Gary Cass of the Christian Anti-Defamation League will join us to discuss the 2008 Top Ten most outrageous Christian Bashing incidents in America. Apparently many in our nation drank Kool-Aid spiked with another poison. ESPN anchor Dana Jacobson's dropped the f-bomb against Christ at an ESPN corporate event, while Colorado moved to ban the publication of the Bible . These and many other stories point to the spiked Kool-Aid that Americans are drinking.

In the good news section, Republicans in the Federal City announced a bill aimed at ear-mark reform. Hopefully, the 111th U.S. Congress, which began this past week, will bite a few porkers in the ear, and put an end to some of the wasteful spending in the Federal City. Republicans also announced a bill to ban the Fairness Doctrine. Read more stories in THE STACK, and join us this Sunday at 4 PM, for politics, religion and apple pie.

Call the Political Hope Radio Show to voice your opinion every Sunday at 4 pm CDT. You can hear us on The Word 98.5 & 99.3 KLGO FM Radio in Austin, or listen to live streaming on-line ...
www.theword993.com

We need your calls. You can still watch the game; just turn down the play-by-play and listen to Political Hope! Pick up the phone and join the discussion every Sunday at 4pm. The call in numbers are ...

(512) 637-9673 (WORD)
- or -
(888) 860-9673

Show Follow-up: Texas GOP Drinks The Kool-Aid

It has been said, that "as goes Texas, so goes the nation". Friends, those days are numbered. Few states have been successful doing what Texas has done, and now Texas is following the nation, including some in the Texas GOP. Today, Texas is a bright shining star of Conservatism amidst the United States. That may be a different story in six months.

The fight over the Texas Speaker of the House post is reportedly over. The heavy-hand of Craddick has been swept away from the gavel, and the even-handed Joe Straus will swing it a bit softer when the 81st Texas Legislature convenes next Tuesday (barring any unforeseen circumstances). Country Club Republican, Joe Straus, has wooed the masses with his bi-partisan approach. The problem is the absence of principles in getting him there. The problem is knowing which way he will steer the ship, not to mention the lack of GOP leadership in dealing with the Craddick problem.

Yes, I know, most of you like Straus. And I'm sure he can lead. That much is clear. The question is where will he lead to, and why Straus instead of another conservative leader? Why is the Texas GOP rewarding a Junior Representative that strays well from the party line? The ABC gang maybe able to spell "Anybody But Craddick", but what about the principles of the conservative agenda? While most say this is all about leadership style. I keep wondering why Straus over Smithee or Gattis. The Friday night scene reported by the Statesman makes it all sound too jovial for me. Why did Straus' majority support emerge from the Democrats, rather than the Republicans? Why does Straus' family come up, every time I ask how he emerged to the top of the list. This is politics. It is about the agenda, and we all have one.

Sure, Craddick had to go, and I know you'll all enjoy the new leadership style. Straus is younger with a softer touch, sure to make the Dems feel better about them selves. We've seen this type of transition in every board room from the local ISD, to the church-house, and the neighborhood HOAs. Now, the newspaper reporters are rejoicing over Texas' first modern Speaker of the House. At the time Texas' conservative principles are needed most in a nation drifting left, the Texas GOP places a soft hand on the helm. At at time when right turns are needed over left turns, the firm leadership style of the 40s and 50s is swept away by the feel good group from my generation. At a time when the Federal government is set to run over States Rights with a mighty bull-dozer, we need strong Conservative Leaders.

The ABC gang of Republicans are defending Straus, down-playing the importance of the speaker role, saying we need to move onto more important matters, and repeating Straus' defenses on social conservative issues. You can repeat the pledges all you want; voting records speak louder than words. He's been good on the economic development, guns, and clearly knows how to cross the aisle. We'll see if conservative leadership shows up in this critical session. I'm expecting a few left turns. The Dems have their first win, and we haven't even started yet. Some in the Texas GOP drank the kool-aid.

God Save Texas!

Natural Born Citizen

Last week on the Political Hope Radio Show, our guest, Jerry Petermann, asserted that neither John McCain, Barack Obama, nor Roger Calero (Socialist Workers Party) are "natural born citizens". There are a plurality of problems that come to light in Petermann's statement, and a number of you contacted me regarding this issue throughout the week. So, I hope to summarize the primary concerns.

First, regarding the Constitution and the phrase ... "natural born Citizen" is one of the qualifications for President required by Article II, Section 1, of the U.S. Constitution.

No Person except a natural born Citizen, or a Citizen of the United States, at the time of the Adoption of this Constitution, shall be eligible to the Office of President; neither shall any Person be eligible to that Office who shall not have attained to the Age of thirty five Years, and been fourteen Years a Resident within the United States.

To understand the basis of the qualification, we can look to the John Jay, the first Supreme Court Justice and a Constitutional Framer for instance. We have no record on any related debate.

John Jay wrote: "Permit me to hint, whether it would be wise and seasonable to provide a strong check to the admission of Foreigners into the administration of our national Government; and to declare expressly that the Commander in Chief of the American army shall not be given to nor devolve on, any but a natural born Citizen."

The problem is the lack of a clear legal definition for the phrase. Some take it to mean a person born on native U.S. soil, while others include the various citizenship exceptions and naturalization procedures. The courts have discussed the issue, but have not made any clear rulings to my knowledge.

As we move on in history, citizenship criteria and naturalization laws change, and some could be interpreted to suggest that they impact the definition of "natural born citizen". You can look at commentaries surrounding the Fourteenth Amendment, various legal citizenship decisions, or the law extending citizenship to those born in the Panama Canal Zone. Some use the key phrase, "natural born citizen", others refer specifically to "citizenship" or"naturalization". The Natural Born Citizen article on WikiPedia is a good place to get relevant information, but it's not the final authority. WikiPedia contains opinions too.

Republican John McCain was born in the Panama Canal Zone, therefore his citizenship status was such a concern that the Senate passed a non-binding resolution declaring him a "natural born citizen". The resolution has no legal weight, but it clearly points out that folks were concerned, and made an attempt to remove the concern.

Roger Calero, Presidential Candidate for the Socialist Worker's Party, appeared on the 2008 ballot in Delaware, Minnesota, New Jersey, New York and Vermont, while being denied on the natural born citizenship issue in five other states. Calero was clearly born in Nicaragua, and may not even be a U.S. citizen at all.

Barack Obama has multiple problems. There are concerns over Hawaii's procedures for issuing birth certificates in 1961. Hawaii was a new state at that time. There are also legitimate assertions of falsified birth certificates posted on the web during the campaign season. There is the question of the State of Hawaii sealing/protecting Obama's birth certificate. And finally the assertion that he was actually born in Kenya, not Hawaii. Oh, let's not forget the absence of details on the time and exact location (i.e. hospital) of his birth.

There are on-going legal actions involving Obama's citizenship status. Hillary Clinton supporter and lawyer, Phillip Berg has been pursuing numerous legal actions, and activity is still underway. Below is the latest post from World Net Daily, which has tracked the issue closer than any media outlet. Jermone Corsi played a key role in breaking this story and has paid a price for it.

I remain concerned about ignorance and disregard for the Constitution. I can understand the case for calling McCain a natural born citizen. The Calero case is probably the most clear cut, and bleeds with blatant disregard for the Constitution. The Obama case brings up more questions than answers, and they do need to be answered. The problem is finding someone with the guts to make it happen. We'll see if the Supreme Court does it's job.

Eligibility Remains Focus of Supremes' Conferences
Dispute posted on docket twice after Electoral College Vote
Posted: December 26, 2008 WorldNetDaily
A second conference has been posted on the docket for the U.S. Supreme Court over the issue of Barack Obama's eligibility to occupy the White House, this one scheduled a week after Congress is to review the Electoral College vote tabulation.

Show Announcement - Life & Death Agenda Battle

Welcome to 2009 and it's Life or Death for Tom Craddick's House Speaker position and the Pro-Life, Pro-Family agenda in the 81st Texas Legislature. Eleven Republicans have joined forces with the Democratic minority, which could led to the demise of the Conservative agenda in the upcoming Texas Legislative session. Read more in the THE STACK >>.

Jonathan Saenz of Free Market Foundation will join me this Sunday, January 4th, to discuss the upcoming session, the speaker's controversy and the expected agenda items.

Call the Political Hope Radio Show to voice your opinion every Sunday at 4 pm CDT. You can hear us on The Word 98.5 & 99.3 KLGO FM Radio in Austin, or listen to live streaming on-line ...
http://www.theword993.com/

We need your calls. You can still watch the game; just turn down the play-by-play and listen to Political Hope! Pick up the phone and join the discussion every Sunday at 4pm. The call in numbers are ...

(512) 637-9673 (WORD)
- or -
(888) 860-9673